August 2019

 

I bought an APC 7092 to get more output outlets than my current audiophile power bar.

My unit had eight outputs, and I was running short.

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Click for specs here

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The APC has:

·         Built-in filtering device and 16 quality 20A 120Vac socket (not the standard 15A but 20A)

·         Over sized 10AWG input power cord. (stock twist lock connector, was replaced by a standard Hubbell  120V connector)

·         Loads of protection and a programmable start up sequence. After all, it’s  designed for computer server rooms.

·         Capability to remotely switch each of the 16 outlets independently via Ethernet, that is cool.

·         It monitors the load and can send an alarm at a programmed level, or simply power down that particular outlet.

·         If the software is used, one can monitor load in real-time and even see trends remotely! 

·         Able to monitor the total current my entire system is using, at any given volume. (lower than I expected, so that was nice to see)

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Initially, most of the features I actually didn't care for, as I only wanted 16 quality connectors for my system.

I purchased the APC 7092 thinking that I’d gut it clean, recycle the quality metal housing and connectors, and completely re-build the inside with "audiophile approved" passive filtering parts. 

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Before proceeding however, I just wanted to compare it to my  "audiophile approved power bar" and see how much worse of a product the APC was, as my initial mindset was the APC was a sub-par unit.

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Surprise, Surprise! The APC sounded better than my expensive, fancy, polished aluminum power bar!!!!!

I’d have "bet the farm" on it not working, or at least sounding bad. I’ll be damned. I was so wrong. The APC rocks!

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This APC power distribution unit opened the perceived sound stage and made the mid-range just more present, all the while preserving the bass and treble extensions. All gain with no real subjective drawbacks.

As a result, I couldn’t really find any flaws in my subjective tests, as I really tried to pinpoint some.

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Sold my previous power bar... If I need another one, APC it will be.

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·         The only drawback of the APC is the power it consumes. Since it monitors load in real time, it uses electricity for performing the internal function and activating the power relays.

·         Even if all outlets are not connected to anything, it draws power from the 120V main for the above functions.

·         The front of the unit becomes lukewarm to the touch, which is not an issue, but I thought it worth mentioning.

·         35 watts is the average power draw at idle. Not exactly Energy Star rated...

·         It would cost roughly $31 per year to run based on $0.10 per kilowatts and 24/7 operation. So, not a deal breaker considering the sonic gain.

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If you’re in the market for an Audiophile Power distribution unit, you might want consider APC’s industrial units. They really surprised me.

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I do plan on modifying this APC, but the internal electronics will remain.

I’ll be content simply adding dampening inside the box… or call it a day without even opening it to inspect the inside.

It works great, so why tamper with it?

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"Audiophilia is dead"​

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